Heathrow Airport is the largest within the UK and in terms of international passenger numbers is the world\'s busiest. From Heathrow Airport it is possible to reach almost anywhere in the world, making the terminals a cultural melting pot of different peoples. Being so close to London Heathrow airport and its accompanying services such as shops, restaurants and car hire desks employ many people. But from where did this air travel powerhouse evolve from, hopefully this article will be able to present a brief history of the site.

Heathrow airport, like many of the airports in this country started life as a military site. In the First World War the site was known rather grandly as the Great Western Aerodrome, the name Heathrow was only taken after a small hamlet called Heath Row was destroyed for the purposes of development. At this stage the vast terminals filled with shops, restaurants and car hire desks were not realised. At this stage the site played second fiddle to Croydon Airport, then the predominant commercial airport servicing London.

Military use continued throughout the Second World War with government ministers earmarking the site for development in the post war years. Civil aviation began in earnest on the thirty first of May nineteen forty six. At this stage there were three small runways, eventually replaced in 1953 when the queen laid the first slab of a modern runway. This starting point saw development of terminals that would eventually house retail facilities and car hire services.

In 1977 Heathrow Airport was added to the London Underground making the transition from the capital to the site far simpler. Transport connections to the site were also improved during the eighties when a new road was built to connect the airfield to the M25. Today this has been further expanded to allow for easy travelling for those using both private and hire cars. During this time widespread privatisation in many industries saw ownership of Heathrow change from the Civil Aviation Authority to BAA.

Even though the site is probably the most developed of all the airports in the UK, the site is still experiencing call for further expansion. A government paper has put forward plans for a third runway at the site, although this plan will be subject to European noise and air traffic regulations. There are even plans for a sixth terminal despite the fact that the Terminal 5 has only been completed. Naturally these development plans will include creating further provisions for car hire and retail services.

Heathrow airport today stands above all of the other airports in the UK. It is used by thousands of people every day of the year and each terminal resembles a shopping centre as much as a gateway to the world. Ultimately the site stands testament to the modern penchant for air travel and world accessibility.